Transition to School
Punchinello offers a full preschool program and places strong emphasis on challenging the children to extend their abilities and confidence, to help with their transition to school.
We use the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to guide and inform our programs because this is the framework teachers will refer to when asking for feedback on a child’s development.
Our structured small-group school-preparedness experiences begin in July, for all children going off to school next year. During these classes we build on the learning experiences built into the overall program at Punchinello. We also offer opportunities for parents and friends to attend evening talks and discussions at the centre, to ensure that all our children and their families are fully prepared for this leap to “big” school”.
The skills we strive to further develop during this program:
Fine motor skills to assist in using scissors and pencils independently, and to develop endurance for the long periods of pencil use on school days.
Gross motor skills which directly impact how effectively their fine motor skills develop, as well as giving them confidence when communicating and playing at school.
Independent thought to limit how often the children need to ask a teacher for help, taking into account the reduced ratio of Teachers: Children in a school setting.
Their ability to follow instructions and step-by-step processes.
Their self-regulation journey as they experience a range of emotions and must learn to manage frustration and anger without hurting others, or internalizing their feelings.
An understanding of math concepts such as size, positioning, one-to-one correspondence, etc through our construction (during instruction-based experiences), as well as during unstructured play.
We greatly value strong relationship between our teachers, children and families - and we work hard to include families in this learning process by offering evening information and discussion groups and regular opportunity for parent/teacher consultation.
